My Favourite Place by author Anna Levin

Where is it?

Coll, Inner Hebrides.

Why do you go there?

Dark, starry skies and marine mammals are my favourite things and Coll has an abundance of both. It is a designated “dark sky community” because of its beautiful dark sky and the island’s commitment to minimise light pollution.

Coll is a low-lying island, stretching in the sea to the west of Mull, and has clear skies more often than more mountainous places in the area, so there’s a higher chance of sunny days and starry nights.

It’s also an amazing place for wildlife, renowned for birdwatching and basking sharks, seals, otters, whales and dolphins.

How often do you go?

Not often enough, but whenever I can. I’d love to get back there this winter – the stargazing season.

How did you discover it?

I was lucky enough to be on board a sailing boat and floating research station, surveying minke whales in the area. We anchored one night off the Cairns of Coll – tiny outcrops off the north of the main island, with the most exquisite white sand beaches and turquoise water I’d ever seen.

That summer night was all about light not darkness. It didn’t get dark at all, the sky just filled with soft, dreamy colours.

We sat on deck sipping whisky and watching the sun just dip its toes in the sea and come up again. Seals bobbed around, watching us watching them. I was in heaven. 

Anna LevinAnna Levin (Image: Anna Levin)
What’s your favourite memory?

A night walk around the rocky east coast of the island in the brightest moonlight I’ve ever experienced. Everything was silver – the rocks were shining and the sea was shining and I felt like I was shining too.

I could have walked forever that night. I felt alive on a cellular level. I had a weird sense that I was receiving energy and being recharged by moonlight.

Who do you take?

So far, I’ve been with friends and shipmates, but next time I want to take my family and go stargazing on the beach with my children. And my dog, Canna, named after another beloved island.

What do you take?

Binoculars for wildlife watching. A sketchbook for scribbling memories – I like to note things down in words and pictures. A camping mat because lying down and looking up is the best way to enjoy the night sky.

What do you leave behind?

Ah, my cares and worries. I leave them in a heap on the pier on the mainland. Getting on a boat always does that for me.

Sum it up in five words.

Sea. Sky. Sand. Stars. Peace. 

What other travel spot is on your wish list?

Iceland. I’ve long had a dream of wallowing in natural hot water while watching the northern lights.

Dark Skies by Anna Levin (Saraband, £8.99), is out now in paperback